OSHA’s pilot process expedites whistleblower review process

Program allows complainants to speed up process by requesting judicial review

Posted September 13, 2016

DOL launched a new pilot process for managing whistleblower complaints in its Western region. The “Expedited Case Processing Pilot” program allows whistleblowers under certain circumstances to receive a determination on their complaint more quickly — and without losing their rights to a hearing — by asking OSHA to issue findings for an administrative law judge to consider.

“The ultimate goal is to bring about quicker resolution for whistleblowers and their employers regarding claims of retaliation for reporting safety and other concerns on the job,” said Barbara Goto, OSHA’s regional administrator in San Francisco.

The pilot became effective August 1, in the agency's San Francisco region, which includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and the islands of American Samoa, CNMI and Guam.